The Legend of Concubine Su

Princess Roujia, a royal treasure now reaching the age of 15, was in the prime of her youth. She wore a meticulously embroidered snow-white silk skirt, its hem as light as swirling clouds, embroidered with hundreds of golden butterflies flitting among the brilliant clouds, like the most brilliant dream of spring. Over her skirt, she wore a light green, double-breasted, wide-sleeved gown. The color was fresh and elegant, complementing the inner skirt beautifully, evoking both nobility and youthful spirit.

Her hair was expertly combed into two exquisite buns, each strand revealing the meticulous craftsmanship of the craftsman. Pearl flowers adorned the back of her head, pinned between them. They swayed gently with her steps, shimmering with a soft and noble light, making one sigh at her graceful and elegant demeanor. As the late emperor's most beloved little princess and the current emperor's most beloved sister, Princess Roujia has been the enmeshed in immense love since childhood, yet she has never developed a spoiled personality. Instead, she has a gentle disposition, often displaying a childlike innocence and liveliness.

As usual, she arrived at Su Jingyue's palace, beaming with joy and skipping. Su Jingyue, the imperial concubine beloved by the emperor, was not only stunningly beautiful but also a skilled cook, constantly creating mouth-watering delicacies. Upon entering, Princess Roujia eagerly inquired, "Sister-in-law, what delicious treats have you made? I can smell them!" Her words were thick with anticipation and excitement. Su Jingyue's lips curled up in a gentle smile as she gently stroked the tip of Princess Roujia's nose, saying lovingly, "You're the most gluttonous little cat." With that, she lifted a freshly baked cookie from a delicate porcelain plate and handed it to Princess Roujia. The cookie, a tempting golden color and sprinkled with finely chopped sugar, exuded a rich, milky, and baked aroma, a scent that whetted the appetite.

Princess Roujia took the cookie and eagerly took a bite. Her eyes lit up, her face filled with satisfaction and happiness. "Wow, it's delicious! My dear sister-in-law, your cooking skills are really getting better and better!" she praised, continuing to enjoy this feast for her taste buds. Su Jingyue watched from the side with a smile, her eyes filled with love and doting for this innocent and adorable little princess.

The Emperor smiled broadly as he walked briskly into the palace. His voice echoed through the spacious hall, tinged with both teasing and fondness. "I heard you, my little greedy cat, secretly savoring the delicacies of your Imperial Concubine's wife from afar. It seems my imperial kitchen is about to be emptied out by you. You're such a glutton! I'm truly curious about which lucky man will marry you in the future. Whether it will be a blessing or a curse is still unknown."

Upon hearing this, two blushes appeared on Princess Roujia's cheeks. She pouted her pink little mouth, with dissatisfaction and coquettishness flashing in her eyes. She said angrily, "My royal brother is making fun of me again. I have never said that I want to get married. Please don't worry about it." Her words showed her helplessness towards her royal brother's teasing, as well as a hint of shyness and coquettishness that is unique to young girls.

Seeing this, the emperor's smile widened. He shook his head gently, his tone full of the love and tolerance of a brother for his sister: "Oh, my sister, every girl will get married. This is a matter of course. Look at you, you are already throwing tantrums at me. What will you do when you get married in the future? But having said that, my sister is so smart and clever, she will definitely find a good husband and live a happy life."

After saying this, the emperor sat down on the dragon throne beside him, looking at Princess Roujia tenderly, as if he was looking at a rare treasure. Although Princess Roujia was still complaining about her brother's faults, a warm feeling welled up in her heart, which was the deep love and blessing from her brother. Su Jingyue smiled, with a gentle light in her eyes. She gently said to the emperor: "Your Majesty, do you have a suitable candidate in mind to accompany Princess Roujia and spend her life together?" Upon hearing this, the emperor sighed softly, frowning slightly, as if he had thousands of thoughts in his mind. "My sister, Roujia, I want to keep her in the capital and let her enjoy the prosperity and tranquility of the capital. How can ordinary people be worthy of my sister? However, if she is to be sent to marry, how can I bear to let my youngest sister marry far away and suffer the pain of separation?"

The emperor pondered for a moment, a look of determination flashing in his eyes. He continued, "In that case, I have thought of a suitable candidate. The Queen's cousin, Mu Qing, is talented and virtuous, and he is a perfect match for Roujia. How about betrothing Roujia to Mu Qing?"

Su Jingyue nodded gently upon hearing this, a faint smile on her face, as if she was very satisfied with the emperor's decision. "The emperor's arrangement is naturally excellent," she said softly, but a subtle hint of helplessness flashed in her eyes.

Su Jingyue's heart was in turmoil. She gazed at the emperor, thinking to herself: The women in the harem are like canaries in a cage; while they enjoy a carefree life, they lack freedom and choice. If Princess Roujia lived in the future, perhaps she, like modern women, would have the right to strive for her own happiness and the right to gender equality. However, she lived in the ancient world, an era dominated by men, where women were often deprived of their own choices.

Thinking of this, Su Jingyue couldn't help but reveal a hint of sadness on her face. She looked at the blue sky and white clouds outside the window and prayed silently in her heart: May Princess Roujia be happy and healthy, and may she find her own happiness and freedom even in this era where men are superior to women.